Basketball

Ross looking more like a shooter than Lassiter, Cabagnot

Norman Lee Benjamin Riego on Mar 04, 2017 10:06 AM

San Miguel is one win away from its third consecutive All-Filipino championship.

And just like he did last year, Chris Ross has been one of the major reasons why.

If in the championship round a year ago, the Finals MVP then went out to prove that he is much more than a defensive stopper, this time around, he is showing off his newfound long-range ability. So much so that head coach Leo Austria even had to quip, “We’re lucky kasi even Chris Ross, mukha siyang shooter e kesa kina (Alex) Cabagnot) and (Marcio) Lassiter. I’m happy to see him knocking down those shots.”

That statement came after Ross, a career 18.7 percent shooter from long-range, knocked down half of 10 of his triple tries. Yes, this was better than Cabagnot’s 1-of-6 and Lassiter’s 3-of-7 clips.

In all in the Finals, the 31-year-old is shooting 36.7 in threes – doubling his career average.

While Ross’ red-hot shooting has been a revelation for just about everybody, the Beermen apparently aren’t surprised. As Lassiter, who knows more than a thing or two about sharpshooting, put it, “I’m not surprised. For me, personally, because I shoot with him all the time.”

He then continued, “I’m just happy that he’s able to knock them down.”

However, don’t make the mistake that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has forgotten about who he truly is. Asked if his offense has come at the expense of his defense, he expressed, “I would never do that. I’m a defensive player and I take pride in defense.”

He then continued, “I’m focused on trying to limit LA (Tenorio) and then Scottie (Thompson) or Sol (Mercado). Even if I’m scoring on offense, I would never take away from my defense.”